Carolee Moore, who was diagnosed with cancer in 2022 and passed away in November 2023, was deeply connected to the Owensboro Health community. Recently, a heartwarming dedication ceremony was held to unveil a plaque in the Owensboro Health Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center conference room, officially naming it the Carolee and Russell Moore Memorial Conference Room.
This dedication honored a significant gift made by the Moores in gratitude for the care Carolee received at the center.
Carolee and her husband Russell’s bond with the staff — particularly with Owensboro Health Foundation Director of Philanthropy Chad Hart, the former CEO at their local YMCA — played a pivotal role in their journey. Hart, who had known the Moores since his tenure at the YMCA, remained a close friend and support system throughout Carolee’s battle with cancer.
Friends and family from across the country attended the dedication ceremony, including Carolee’s sister, Karen Bloomer, who traveled from South Carolina. Tracy Naylor, Executive Director of the Owensboro Health Foundation, shared touching remarks about Carolee’s legacy and her profound impact on those around her.
“Carolee was a beacon of grace and dignity,” Naylor said. “Her generosity and kindness were evident to everyone she met, and her legacy will live on through this conference room and the many lives she touched.”
Russell reflected on the couple’s life together and the love they shared.
“Carolee had an aura of dignity and grace that captivated everyone. She genuinely cared about people and made everyone feel special,” he shared, recalling their first meeting in Kansas City, Missouri.
Karen Bloomer echoed those sentiments, highlighting Carolee’s natural ability to connect with others.
“She was a natural at making people feel like they were the most important person in the room,” Bloomer said. “Her caring nature and genuine interest in others made her truly special.”
The Owensboro Health Mitchell Memorial Cancer Center team, including Dr. Jacob Hodskins and nurse navigator Deanna Young, was recognized for its care and compassion.
“Carolee was confident in her care team,” Bloomer noted. “Their immediate and confident responses to her needs gave us immense comfort during a challenging time.”
The Moores’ gift, totaling over $30,000, was made possible through donations from Carolee’s colleagues at Crestline Hotels & Resorts and friends nationwide. Crestline, where Carolee worked, honored her memory with murals created during their annual retreat, two of which will be displayed at Owensboro Health’s facilities.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the plaque, featuring an inscription in memory of Carolee.
Chad Hart, reflecting on his relationship with the Moores, emphasized the importance of gratitude in healthcare, saying:
“Carolee was a master at expressing gratitude, and her legacy will continue to inspire us to channel this gratitude into our daily work.”
